The health department of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in India on Wednesday carried out raids in the Krishnanagar area of the city, where mangoes were being ripened using the banned chemical calcium carbide, and destroyed 2,800kg of the fruit.
The RMC had launched a massive drive against illegally ripened mangoes last week. According to an estimate, the civic body has, to date, destroyed over 10,000kg mangoes which were found to be ripened by using calcium carbide.
"Using chemical substances like carbide for ripening of fruits can cause health complications as it is considered as a slow poison. It might cause breathing problems, food poisoning and people may experience a burning sensation on the skin or on eyes," said an RMC official.
According to RMC officials, during the last week, they have carried out checks at 164 units, including shops, hotels and dairies, to check the quality of food items and have destroyed unhygienic food items as well.
